البقرة
Al Baqarah
Also known as: Sanam al-Quran (The Peak of the Quran)
Verses
286
Revelation
Madani
Period
Early Madinan
Surah No.
2 / 114
Al-Baqarah is the longest surah in the Quran, revealed over a long period in Madinah. It serves as the foundational legislative chapter, addressing the nascent Muslim community with laws on worship, fasting, pilgrimage, marriage, divorce, financial transactions, and inheritance. It contains Ayat al-Kursi, the greatest verse of the Quran, and narrates the story of the Israelites and the cow they were commanded to slaughter.
أسباب النزول
The bulk of this surah was revealed in the first two years after the Hijra to Madinah. Many verses were revealed in response to specific situations: verses on the change of the qibla (2:142-150) were revealed when the Prophet was commanded to face the Kaaba instead of Jerusalem; verses on usury (2:275-280) addressed rampant interest-based dealings; and verses on fighting (2:190-193) were revealed when the Muslims were permitted to defend themselves after years of persecution.
“Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.”
Ayat al-Kursi, revealed in Madinah. The Prophet declared this the greatest verse of the Quran because it describes the all-encompassing attributes of Allah most comprehensively.
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers.”
These closing verses of Al-Baqarah were revealed on the Night of the Isra and Miraj, as a gift to the Prophet from Allah, and are recommended to be recited every night.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Do not make your homes like graves. Satan runs away from a house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited." (Muslim) He also said: "Learn Surah Al-Baqarah and Al Imran because they are two lights and they shade their people on the Day of Resurrection."